I'm a big jerk. I made someone cry today because I didn't think before I said something. I inferred that someone was irresponsible because they didn't have enough money to pay for something (They asked to make payments, with the total amount paid by the due date. I didn't understand why they couldn't just save their money and pay on the due date since it costs a fee for every payment made.) My logic was sound, but my delivery was harsh and I immediately apologized, but the person stormed out of the room.
I'm sharing this because I need people to know that sometimes, I make bitchy comments but do not mean for them to be bitchy. I'm usually just trying to be Blount as a way to be funny. That doesn't mean I'm a bad person or even that I'm mean. It simply means that, sometimes, I speak without thinking it through. That might hurt other people's feelings, and I try not to do it, but sometimes I slip. I have to believe that people know me well enough to know that I simply said something stupid and inconsiderate, but there was no malice. I apologized and talked it out right away with the person I upset, then came back to apologize to the group as a whole (with this person at my side as we had already reconciled in those few short minutes).
Can I be done with my punishment now? A split second thoughtless comment was met with immediate regret and a public apology - that should suffice, right?
I worry that I will never live this down with this group. :(
Mistakes in judgement happen. We are all human. I hope folks can forgive.
